Pressure washer tool belt

ABSTRACT

A pressure washer tool belt is disclosed. The tool belt has a length of material, the length of material has a first end and a second end. The tool belt also has a fastening means. The fastening means is attached to the first and second end. The tool belt further has a receiving clip which is attached to the belt, the receiving clip is configured to receive a pressure washer clip. The pressure washer clip is attached to a pressure washer.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent contains material that issubject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection tothe reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patentdisclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent filesor records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to pressure washers and more specificallyto a pressure washer tool belt.

2. Description of Related Art

Pressure washers are used by consumers to clean various types ofsurfaces or objects. The pressure washers typically operate by receivingan incoming amount of water, usually from a garden hose, and applying apredetermined amount of pressure and the pressurized water is directedout of a wand. The wand typically has a trigger which turns on thepressurized water allowing the operator to determine the amount of waterto be directed out of the wand.

Pressure washers come in various sizes and types. For example, forcommercial and otherwise larger applications, gasoline powered pressurewashers may be employed. However, for smaller applications, an electricpressure washer may be more applicable. In an electrical pressurewasher, an electric motor may be used to drive a hydraulic pump which inturn pressurizes the incoming water.

Over time, electric pressure washers have become smaller, lighter andmore efficient than some of the earlier models. Along with being smallerand lighter, they have become more portable. For instance, some newerpressure washers may weigh about 5 or 6 pounds which may be light enoughto be carried by an operator.

One of the previous methods of carrying the pressure washer was to strapthe pressure washer to the operator's back. Other prior art pressurewashers may have had handles for the user to grab and pick up thepressure washer.

One drawback of the prior ways of holding the pressure washer is whenthe pressure washer is mounted on the user's back, the weight of thepressure washer and water may cause discomfort. When carrying thepressure washer in this configuration, there may be downward pressureapplied directly to the back of the user through shoulder straps.Another drawback is that the prior art systems did not have a way tocarry multiple nozzles for the pressure washer wand. A further drawbackof the prior art is that movement of the user may be limited due to thelocation of the pressure washer on the user's back.

The present invention addresses these concerns. The pressure washer andtool belt of the present invention allows the user to carry the pressurewasher around his or her waist and secure the pressure washer to his orher leg. In this configuration, the weight of the pressure washer andwater are centered at the user's waist and not directly on the user'sback, thus, alleviating any back strain. With the present invention, anymovement of the user bending in any direction may not cause any backinjury.

In addition, the pressure washer and tool belt of the present inventionalso has the capacity to store multiple wand nozzles directly on thetool belt itself. The user may have one wand to allow a higher pressurestream to be formed. Another nozzle may allow the user to spray a mist.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A pressure washer tool belt is disclosed. The tool belt has a length ofmaterial, the length of material has a first end and a second end. Thetool belt also has a fastening means. The fastening means is attached tothe first and second end. The tool belt further has a receiving clipwhich is attached to the belt, the receiving clip is configured toreceive a pressure washer clip. The pressure washer clip is attached toa pressure washer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 displays a front perspective view of a pressure washer tool beltin accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 displays a rear perspective view of the tool belt of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 displays a right side perspective view of the tool belt of FIG.1.

FIG. 4 displays a view of a pressure washer with a clip and anunattached leg brace.

FIG. 5 displays a view of the pressure washer of FIG. 4 with the legbrace attached.

FIG. 6 shows the pressure washer of FIG. 5 attached to the tool belt ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 7 shows a close up view of the pressure washer of FIG. 5 detachedfrom the tool belt of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 displays a front perspective view of a pressure washer tool beltin accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 displays a view of a pressure washer in accordance with a furtherembodiment with a leg brace attached.

FIG. 10 shows a close up view of the pressure washer of FIG. 9 detachedfrom the tool belt of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While this invention is susceptible to embodiment in many differentforms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described indetail specific embodiments, with the understanding that the presentdisclosure of such embodiments is to be considered as an example of theprinciples and not intended to limit the invention to the specificembodiments shown and described. In the description below, likereference numerals are used to describe the same, similar orcorresponding parts in several views of the drawings. This detaileddescription defines the meaning of the terms used herein andspecifically describes embodiments in order for those skilled in the artto practice the invention.

The terms “a” or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one or as morethan one. The term “plurality”, as used herein, is defined as two or asmore than two. The term “another”, as used herein, is defined as atleast a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having”, as usedherein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term“coupled”, as used herein, is defined as connected, although notnecessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.

Reference throughout this document to “one embodiment”, “certainembodiments”, and “an embodiment” or similar terms means that aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connectionwith the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of thepresent invention. Thus, the appearances of such phrases or in variousplaces throughout this specification are not necessarily all referringto the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features,structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner inone or more embodiments without limitation.

The term “or” as used herein is to be interpreted as an inclusive ormeaning any one or any combination. Therefore, “A, B or C” means any ofthe following: “A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C”. Anexception to this definition will occur only when a combination ofelements, functions, steps or acts are in some way inherently mutuallyexclusive.

The drawings featured in the figures are for the purpose of illustratingcertain convenient embodiments of the present invention and are not tobe considered as limitation thereto. Term “means” preceding a presentparticiple of an operation indicates a desired function for which thereis one or more embodiments, i.e., one or more methods, devices, orapparatuses for achieving the desired function and that one skilled inthe art could select from these or their equivalent in view of thedisclosure herein and use of the term “means” is not intended to belimiting.

FIG. 1 displays a front perspective view of a pressure washer tool belt100 (hereinafter referred to as tool belt 100) in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the tool belt100 is composed of a fixed length of material 102. In one embodiment,the material 102 may be nylon. In another embodiment, the material 102may be a plastic composite. The tool belt has a first end and a secondend which may be connected to a fastening means. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 1 through 3, the fastening means may consist of a male end 106 andfemale end 108. The male end 106 may attach to the first end of the toolbelt 100 and the female end 108 may attach to the second end of the toolbelt 100.

In another embodiment, the tool belt may also have an adjustment means.In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 3, the adjustment means may be abuckle 110 that may receive one of the ends after the end is loopedthrough the fastening means. In this instance, the buckle 110 mayterminate the end and allow excess length of material 102 to be let out,thus adjusting the size of the tool belt 100.

Also shown in FIGS. 1 through 3 is a pressure washer receiving clip 104.The length of material 102 may be directed through two openings 107 in abase 109 in the pressure washer receiving clip 104. In this manner, thepressure washer receiving clip 104 may be adjusted to any location alongthe tool belt 100. Additionally, as can be seen in FIG. 3, the pressurewasher receiving clip 104 has a tab 105 that extends in an upwarddirection. In one exemplary embodiment, the tab 105 may be pressed upagainst the base 109. In this instance, the tab 105 may be flexibleenough to create a small gap between tab 105 and the base 109.

Providing support for the user is a tool belt support 130 which attachesto the length of material 102. The tool belt support may have twoopenings through which one of the ends may be inserted. In thisexemplary embodiment, the tool belt support 130 may be adjusted to thedesired position on the tool belt 100. In a further exemplaryembodiment, the tool belt support 130 may be centered directly oppositethe receiving clip 104. This location of the tool belt support mayprovide the user additional support than may be provided by just thelength of material 102 by itself.

Positioned on the length of material 102 is a nozzle carrier 120. Thenozzle carrier allows the operator to carry different nozzles whileoperating the pressure washer. In some pressure washers, the nozzles maybe replaced with relative ease. The nozzles may vary the direction andsize of the water spray from the pressure washer. The nozzle carrier 120has nozzle receptacles 124 where the nozzles may be placed. The nozzlecarrier 120 may be positioned on the length of material 102 at variouspoints. In one embodiment, the nozzle carrier 120 may have openingsconfigured to allow the length of material to be directed through. Inanother embodiment, the tool belt support may also have Velcro material.The nozzle carrier 120 may also have Velcro material which may allow thenozzle carrier 120 to attach directly to the tool belt support 130.

The tool belt 100 also has a strain relief 122 which is positioned nearthe nozzle carrier 120. The strain relief 122 may be utilized by thepressure washer operator to secure the power cord and water hose whichattach to the pressure washer. The strain relief 122 may consist of twoends of material having Velcro on each end. When the two ends are incontact with each another, a loop of material is formed, securing thepower cord and water hose. Using Velcro also allows the operator to varythe size of the loop, thus accommodating larger hoses if necessary.

By utilizing the strain relief 122, the operator is able to move whilepulling the cord and hose from the tool belt 100 instead of having tohold them. In addition, the operator is able to direct any tensionapplied to the power cord or water hose to the strain relief 122.Otherwise, tension in the water hose may be directed to the hoseconnector on the pressure washer. If too much tension is experienced,the hose connector could shear off the pressure washer, potentiallycausing injury. The same holds true for the electrical cord. If thetension were too great, strain due to the tension may cause the cord toshear off at the electrical connector, thus increasing the chance ofelectrical shock.

FIG. 4 displays a pressure washer 400 in accordance with one embodimentof the present invention. On the pressure washer 400 is a handle 475which allows the user to easily grasp and transport the pressure washer400. In addition, the pressure washer 400 has a clip 420 which mates upto the pressure washer receiving clip 104. In one embodiment, the clip420 may have an opening through which the tab 105 of the pressure washerreceiving clip 104 may protrude. When the pressure washer 400 isattached to the tool belt, the clip is in contact with the pressurewasher receiving clip 104. Pressure from the tab against the clip 420and the base 109 may provide sufficient pressure to keep the pressurewasher 400 securely in place.

The pressure washer 400 has a wand 402. The wand 402 connects to thepressure washer 400 by a hose (not shown for ease of illustration). Oneadvantage of the clip 420 is that it may also provide a means to storethe hose when the pressure washer 400 is not attached to the tool belt100. Also shown on the pressure washer is a garden hose connector 410.The user may attach a garden hose to the garden hose connector toprovide a water source to the pressure washer 400.

As depicted in FIG. 4, a leg brace 450 may be attached to the pressurewasher 400. The leg brace 450 may also have a belt formed by a secondlength of material. In one embodiment, the leg brace 450 may consist ofnylon and have the second length of material adjusted using a Velcroattachment. The leg brace 450 also has a pressure washer attachment 452.The pressure washer attachment 452 is inserted into a recess 460 in thepressure washer 400. The leg brace 450 may be held in place by screwswhich are inserted into the pressure washer attachment 452 and terminateinside of the recess 460. FIG. 5 shows the leg brace 450 attached to thepressure washer 400.

FIG. 6 shows the pressure washer 400 attached to the tool belt 100. Alsoshown in FIG. 6, nozzles 620 and 610 are attached to nozzle carrier 120.FIG. 7 displays a close up view of the pressure washer 400 as it is nearthe tool belt. As mentioned previously, the clip 420 has an opening 425through which the tab 105 protrudes. As can be seen in FIG. 7, thepressure washer 400 may be removed from the tool belt 100 by moving thepressure washer in an upward direction in relation to the tool belt 100.The orientation of the clip 420 allows the pressure washer 400 to beremoved in a specific direction, thus allowing the pressure washer 400to remain secure in the tool belt 100.

FIG. 8 displays a front perspective view of a pressure washer tool belt800 (hereinafter referred to as tool belt 800) in accordance withanother embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the tool belt100 of FIG. 1, the tool belt 800 is composed of a fixed length ofmaterial 802. In one embodiment, the material 802 may be nylon. Inanother embodiment, the material 802 may be a plastic composite. Thetool belt 800 has a first end and a second end which may be connected toa fastening means. The fastening means may consist of a male end 806 andfemale end 808. The male end 806 may attach to the first end of the toolbelt 800 and the female end 808 may attach to the second end of the toolbelt 800.

In another embodiment, the tool belt 800 may also have an adjustmentmeans. In this embodiment, the adjustment means may be a buckle 810 thatmay receive one of the ends after the end is looped through thefastening means. In this instance, the buckle 810 may terminate the endand allow excess length of material 802 to be let out, thus adjustingthe size of the tool belt 800.

Also shown in FIG. 8 is a pressure washer receiving clip 804. The lengthof material 802 may be directed through two openings 807 in a base 809in the pressure washer receiving clip 804. In this manner, the pressurewasher receiving clip 804 may be adjusted to any location along the toolbelt 800. Additionally, as can be seen in FIG. 8, the pressure washerreceiving clip 804 has a tab 805 that extends in an upward direction. Ascan be seen in FIG. 8, the tab 805 may be configured to receive acircular protrusion. As is explained in FIG. 9, a pressure washer 900may have a circular protrusion which is inserted into the clip 804 andheld in place.

Providing support for the user is a tool belt support 830 which attachesto the length of material 802. The tool belt support 830 may haveopenings through which the length of material 802 may be inserted. In anexemplary embodiment, the tool belt support 830 may be adjustable to bepositioned at a desired location on the tool belt 800. In a furtherexemplary embodiment, the tool belt support 830 may be centered directlyopposite the receiving clip 804. This location of the tool belt support830 may provide the user additional support than may be provided by justthe length of material 802 by itself.

Positioned on the length of material 802 is a nozzle carrier 820. Thenozzle carrier allows the operator to carry different nozzles whileoperating the pressure washer when attached. In some pressure washers,the nozzles may be replaced with relative ease. The nozzles may vary thedirection and size of the water spray from the pressure washer. Thenozzle carrier 820 has nozzle receptacles 824 where the nozzles may beplaced. The nozzle carrier 820 may be positioned on the length ofmaterial 802 at various points. In one embodiment, the nozzle carrier820 may have openings configured to allow the length of material to bedirected through. In another embodiment, the tool belt support 830 mayalso have Velcro material. The nozzle carrier 820 may also have Velcromaterial which may allow the nozzle carrier 820 to attach directly tothe tool belt support 830. Similar to tool belt 100, tool belt 800 alsohas a strain relief 822.

FIG. 9 displays a pressure washer 900 in accordance with anotherembodiment of the present invention. On the pressure washer 900 is ahandle 975 which allows the user to easily grasp and transport thepressure washer 900. In addition, the pressure washer 900 has aprotrusion 920 on a clip 940 which mates up to the pressure washerreceiving clip 804 (FIG. 8). In the embodiment as shown in FIG. 9, theprotrusion 920 may be circular which corresponds to the pressure washerreceiving clip 804. When the pressure washer 900 is attached to the toolbelt 800, the protrusion 920 is in contact with the pressure washerreceiving clip 804. One advantage of the protrusion 920 is that by beingcircular, the pressure washer 900 may be able to rotate while secured inthe pressure washer receiving clip 804. FIG. 10 displays a close up viewof the pressure washer 900 as it is positioned next to the belt 800.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, those of ordinary skill in the art appreciate that anyarrangement, which is calculated to achieve the same purpose, may besubstituted for the specific embodiments shown and that the inventionhas other applications in other environments. For example, the inventiveconcepts as described herein may be applied to various types of pressurewashers, electric or gas. In addition, various other types of clips maybe used. For example, the pressure washer clip may be a round tab andthe pressure washer tool belt may be modified to receive a round tab. Inthis embodiment, the pressure washer may swivel slightly when the useris moving, walking or bending. This application is intended to cover anyadaptations or variations of the present invention. The following claimsare in no way intended to limit the scope of the invention to thespecific embodiments described herein.

1. A pressure washer tool belt comprising: a length of material having afirst end and a second end, a fastening means, the fastening meansattached to the first and second end, a receiving clip attached to thebelt, the receiving clip configured to receive a pressure washer clip,the pressure washer clip attached to a pressure washer.
 2. The pressurewasher tool belt of claim 1 further comprising an adjustment means, theadjustment means adjusting the length of material presented to thefastening means.
 3. The pressure washer tool belt of claim 1 furthercomprising a nozzle holder, the nozzle holder positioned on the toolbelt, the nozzle holder configured to accept a nozzle.
 4. The pressurewasher tool belt of claim 3 wherein the nozzle holder is configured tohold two nozzles.
 5. The pressure washer tool belt of claim 3 whereinthe nozzle holder is removable.
 6. The pressure washer tool belt ofclaim 1 further comprising a support, the support positioned on thebelt, the support providing a wider width to support the pressure washerwhen the pressure washer is attached to the tool belt.
 7. The pressurewasher tool belt of claim 1 wherein the pressure washer is an electricpressure washer.
 8. The pressure washer tool belt of claim 6 furthercomprising a leg support, the leg support attaches to the electricpressure washer when the pressure washer is coupled with the tool belt.9. The pressure washer tool belt of claim 1 wherein the fastening meansis Velcro.
 10. The pressure washer tool belt of claim 1 wherein thefastening means further comprises a male end and female end, the maleend attaching to the first end and the female end attaching to thesecond end, the male and female ends configure to connect to each other.11. The pressure washer tool belt of claim 1 wherein the receiving clipfurther comprises a tab, the tab configured to be inserted into anopening in the pressure washer clip.
 12. The pressure washer tool beltof claim 11 wherein the tab is circular and the pressure washer clip isconfigured to accept the circular tab.
 13. The pressure washer tool beltof claim 11 wherein the tab is rectangular and the pressure washer clipis configured to accept the rectangular tab.
 14. The pressure washertool belt of claim 1 wherein the receiving clip may be moved to variouspositions on the tool belt.
 15. The pressure washer tool belt of claim 1further comprising a strain relief wherein the strain relief secures awater hose or an electrical cord, the water hose or electrical cordcoupled to the pressure washer.